Health department urges hand washing at fair

Four people sickened at fair in Indiana

The Grundy County Fair is under way, giving folks visiting the Grundy County Fairgrounds an opportunity to see — and possibly pet — a number of different farm animals.

In light of reports last week of four people becoming ill after attending the Indiana State Fair, the Grundy County Health Department wants to remind people of the importance of basic hand washing in order to reduce the potential of getting sick after contact with animals.

According to reports, four people became ill with influenza infections that were contracted at a fair in Indiana. The influenza, (H3N2v) is suspected to have been contracted from pigs present at the fair.

News reports stated that 13 pigs at the fair tested positive for the influenza strain.

Grundy County Health Department‘s Director of Nursing Judy Bailey said, “This same type of influenza spread was reported last year in the weeks prior to the Grundy County Fair.”

However, no occurrences of this flu were reported to the Grundy County Health Department in all of 2012.

The Health Department wants to take this opportunity to remind the public that using good hand washing can help reduce your chances of getting sick.

“So enjoy the fair, but after you have been touching the animals, especially before you eat, be certain to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water,” Bailey said. “Following this suggestion will improve your chances of leaving the fair only with the souvenirs you want.”